Clinical perspectives on portable do-not-resuscitate orders.
A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is a written medical order that documents a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation and, more specifically, the patient's desire to avoid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A DNR order is one of the most important patient care directives that can be issued because it has dramatic and irreversible consequences. A portable DNR order is a do-not-resuscitate directive that travels with the patient. One way to improve continuity among providers and organizations is to develop statewide portable DNR and end-of-life orders that ensure patients' wishes are followed regardless of setting.
Payne
Judith K
JK
Duke University Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. payne031@mc.duke.edu
Thornlow
Deirdre K
DK
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D016414:Resuscitation Orders / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence